Rice millers in Chhattisgarh who were on strike from April 1, called off their strike on Monday, after the Chhattisgarh Government assured to fulfil most of their demands.
While the millers will not be forced to mill the damaged and rotten paddy, the deadline for custom milling has been extended to four months from the existing two months, officials said.
Besides, the Government has promised to increase the rice milling rate after the end of model code of conduct by May-end. The millers have called off their strike till May 31, Chhattisgarh Rice Miller Association president, Yogesh Agarwal told reporters.
According to him, a delegation of the Association held three rounds of discussions with State’s food and civil supplies secretary Vikas sheel.
The Government accepted most of their demands and issued an order in this regard. According to the order, no rice miller will lift the damaged and rotten paddy from the co-operative societies for milling. They will also return such damaged and paddy stored in their respective mills.
He said that the Association was asking for Rs.40 assistance for milling of per quintal of such paddy, and the Government will consider it after the end of the model code of conduct.
Although the administration was forcing them to mill such paddy within two months, the millers were seeking six months time. The Government has now agreed for four months, he said.
The delegation also protested against the ban on export-import of paddy and rice and brought to the notice of the secretary complaining that the officers of Food Corporation of India (FCI) were working arbitrarily.
The Millers have decided to hold a meeting again if their demand in this regard is not fulfilled by May 31.
The strike which began early this month had left thousands of daily wage earners and workers jobless, business worth crores of rupees were also hit due to the shutdown of the mills.